People and communities

At Holcim we are committed to respecting and promoting human rights, and to creating a positive social impact in the communities where we operate.

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People & communities FAQ

How does Holcim serve its people and communities?

We are building progress for people and the planet by upholding the highest human rights standards and spearheading a wide range of social initiatives. Upholding human rights is a cornerstone of our Social Impact Strategy. This also focuses on our legacy of positive social impact, with more than CHF 190 million in social investment over the last six years.

We prioritize human rights due diligence across our operations, analyzing human rights risks and detailing our commitment in our policies.

We have invested more than 190 million CHF in the last 6 years, in housing and infrastructure, health, education and skills development.

social impact strategy


Our 2030 Social Impact Strategy is centered around three pillars: infrastructure and housing, livelihoods and human rights. It outlines how Holcim is empowering people and communities through human rights due diligence and social impact initiatives.

 

Bridging the housing and infrastructure gap


Approximately 1.6 billion people worldwide do not have access to adequate housing and infrastructure. We address this global social challenge using our expertise in building solutions and partnering with communities, NGOs and governments around the world.

Improving livelihoods around the world


Holcim actively invests in a broad range of initiatives in our commitment to our people and communities. These initiatives cut across housing, health, education and skills development to enhance the livelihoods of people in the areas where we operate.

Upholding the highest standards of human rights


Holcim strengthened its commitment to human rights by developing new and updated policies. Our policies are fully aligned with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.

“Holcim is committed to making our people and communities around the world thrive. Upholding the highest standards of human rights is at the core of who we are and how we operate. Let's build a fairer, more inclusive and greener world for all.”

Christoph von Toggenburg| HEAD OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL IMPACT

Contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals

We work to have a positive impact on all 17 UN SDGs. We have identified five goals under our people and communities pillar where we can make a significant difference:

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How we are making it happen

Step into the Houses of Tomorrow

The Kanya Kawayan Weaving Center in the Philippines is a community center built on a sugar cane farm using sustainable design techniques. It will provide a space for local residents to transform waste from sugar cane into products they can sell. This will bring additional income to the community, improving living standards.

The Essential Homes Research Project

We partnered with the Norman Foster Foundation to develop a prototype for an essential home that provides durability, safety, dignity and wellbeing through the use of mobile and innovative technologies. We presented the project at the 2023 Venice Biennale to open the conversation on avenues to make sustainable building possible for all.

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